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French President Emmanuel Macron announced Friday his intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine on Monday during his visit to New York, citing the "extreme urgency of the situation in Gaza and across the Palestinian territories."
The declaration came during a phone call with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, according to posts Macron made on X in Hebrew, Arabic and English. Macron first thanked Abbas "for the excellent cooperation that led to the arrest of one of the main perpetrators of the horrific terrorist attack on Rue des Rosiers," with both leaders agreeing to work together to secure the suspect's swift extradition.
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The recognition will be part of what Macron described as "a comprehensive peace plan for the region, aimed at meeting the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians for security and peace." The announcement represents a significant diplomatic shift for France, which has previously supported Palestinian statehood in principle but stopped short of formal recognition.
Macron outlined specific demands for the Palestinian Authority, with Abbas reaffirming "his determination to implement the necessary reforms to renew Palestinian governance and address the challenges of stabilizing the future Palestinian State." France pledged continued support for Palestinian authorities in implementing these changes.
"We will ensure that these commitments are upheld, for the security and stability of the entire region," Macron stated in his social media posts.
Several European nations, including Spain, Ireland and Norway, have recognized Palestinian statehood in recent years, but France's decision would mark one of the most significant recognitions by a major Western power.
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